Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana Lyrics
"Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" is a popular Jamaican folk song that has been passed down from generation to generation. The catchy tune and lyrics have made it a favorite among children and adults alike. The song tells the story of a Jamaican worker who is asking the tally man to count the bananas he has picked in order to get paid. Let's take a closer look at the lyrics of this beloved song.
The First Verse
"Daylight come and me wan' go homeDaylight come and me wan' go homeWork all night on a drink of rumDaylight come and me wan' go home"The opening verse of "Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" sets the scene for the rest of the song. The worker is tired after working all night and is ready to go home. He has been drinking rum to keep him going, but now he just wants to rest.
The Chorus
"Come, Mr. Tally Man, tally me bananaDaylight come and me wan' go homeCome, Mr. Tally Man, tally me bananaDaylight come and me wan' go home"The chorus of the song is the most memorable part. The worker is asking the tally man to count the bananas he has picked so he can get paid and go home. He repeats this request several times, emphasizing how important it is for him to be paid for his work.
The Second Verse
"A beautiful bunch o' ripe bananaDaylight come and me wan' go homeHide the deadly black tarantulaDaylight come and me wan' go home"The second verse introduces a new element to the story. The worker has picked a beautiful bunch of ripe bananas but has also come across a deadly black tarantula. He is anxious to leave and get away from the dangerous spider.
The Third Verse
"Six foot, seven foot, eight foot BUNCH!Daylight come and me wan' go homeSix foot, seven foot, eight foot BUNCH!Daylight come and me wan' go home"The third verse repeats the chorus with a slight variation. The worker has picked a large bunch of bananas that is six, seven, or eight feet tall. He is eager for the tally man to count them so he can get his pay and go home.
The Fourth Verse
"Day-o, day-oDaylight come and me wan' go homeDay, me say day, me say day, me say dayMe say day, me say day-oDaylight come and me wan' go home"The fourth verse is perhaps the most recognizable part of the song. The worker chants "day-o" repeatedly, creating a rhythmic beat that is fun to sing along with. He again emphasizes that he wants to go home, but this time he adds a bit of urgency to his plea.
The Fifth Verse
"A beautiful bunch o' ripe bananaDaylight come and me wan' go homeCome, Mr. Tally Man, tally me bananaDaylight come and me wan' go home"The final verse repeats elements from earlier in the song, including the beautiful bunch of ripe bananas and the request for the tally man to count them. The worker is determined to get paid and go home.
Conclusion
"Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" is a beloved folk song that has been enjoyed by generations of Jamaicans and music lovers around the world. The catchy tune and memorable lyrics tell the story of a hardworking banana picker who just wants to go home after a long night of work. Whether you're humming the tune or singing along, this timeless classic is sure to bring a smile to your face.